Reviews (1)

Introduce your child to music and culture!
Ella Jenkins does it again! This is an educational and fun CD--the first part introduces various rhythm makers from around the world from bongo drums to cow bells. Ella Jenkins narrates. Then she uses wonderful songs from different cultures to demonstrate rhythm. Your child may tire of the first portion of the CD, but the second part is all fun sing-alongs, certain to introduce new vocabulary and new melodies that will be memorable to your child--and the music is enjoyable for adults too! CD is probably most appropriate for ages 2-6, however, my daughter seemed to begin enjoying it at 8 months! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Tom Chapin, the younger brother of singer/songwriter Harry, has made a stealthy career out of creative children's music. He writes tunes that are lyrically charming, musically fetching, and altogether fun. Even with a string of recordings as impressive as his, Zag Zig is the best. It incorporates Chapin's fondness for intricate horn charts (on the Latin-tinged "Vitamin Si") and his quirky, memorably humorous lyrics on "Backwards Birthday Party." Best of all, the lyrics aren't simply silly: Each song passes on a narrative strand, however brief, that helps kids as young as 2 years old remember turns of phrase, development in a story, and more. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not as good as other Tom Chapin tapes we have
"Zag Zig" just isn't as good as the other two Tom Chapin tapes we own, "Family Tree" and "In My Hometown." The songs "Vitamin Si" and "R-E-C-Y-C-L-E" are the only real standouts on "Zag Zig," in my opinion. I'd be hard-pressed to choose only two favorites from the other two tapes I mentioned. If you are new to Tom Chapin, go for "Family Tree." I think it's one of the best children's tapes I've ever heard.

zig zag
you can't go wrong with tom chapin. my daughter has been a fan since she was 2 years old. we have all six cds. as a parent i love his music too and can sing right along with my daughter. we love tom chapin.

First Rate in Sing-Along Kids Songs
We've had this CD for about 4 years, and still listen to it in the car. Most every song is a great sing-along for kids and adults alike. One of our very faves is Bruno's Christmas On The Mall. What an adventure! You will not be disappointed with this CD, and your kids will love it. Backwards Birthday Party, Vitamin Si, Best of Companions are other great ones. The only ones we don't care for too much are the last 2, but the Grand (or Great-Grandparents) will like the Ragtime Dance. We will probably buy more CDs by this not quite as famous brother of Harry. ... Read more

Album Description

Encourage child-like faith and worship with this new contemporary collection of classic church school songs kids love! Sing and celebrate together at home, church, preschool and school. BONUS! Includes 50 fun things to do with kids! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Exceptional, Fun, and Educational
Absolutely love it. I use it for my Spanish students. We perform for parents with songs from this CD. The songs are fun and the kids learn so much. They always ask me to play the songs over. I wish they would come out with another Spanish CD. Maria and Luis from Sesame Street have wonderful voices!

Sesame Street Fiesta Songs
I wanted to write this review b/c my purchase was based on an online review. This is the best CD! We are trying to learn and teach our 3 boys (3, 2 & 2) Spanish. I listen to Fiesta Songs in the van even when they aren't with me! We've learned so many useful words and phrases, and the music is great. Me gusta!!

Way too much fun to be only for kids!!!
#1) I'm an adult
#2) I have no kids
#3) I love this CD.

Yes...it's FUN...and sometimes way too sickenly cute. Elmo singing spanish? Classics like "The people in your neighborhood".

I tell my friends that I'm trying to learn spanish...when in reality this CD is just as fun to listen to as just about anythign you'll find on the radio. Super sticky sweet, but not stupid and not condescending.

Oh, and if you *do* have kids....I'm sure it's even more fun.
Worth it....if you came to this page you're probably considering it...so get on with it...buy it already!

GREAT SONGS!
Really fun -- my kids (4 & 6) love it! I love all the Sesame Street products - they are wonderful. My kids also love the "SING AND LEARN" CD by the Global Village Kids. These are bilingual nursery rhymes that they already know so it's easier for them to pick up words in Spanish. I highly recommend both -- much better than the so-called "educational" videos out there for getting your kids to learn a bit of Spanish (and have fun, too!)

AWESOME!
My son and I had been working with the same Baby Spanish CD since before he was born EVERYDAY and finally it bagan to get old. I wanted to find something we could alternate he is other cd with and found Fiesta Songs! It's great. It's a definativly bilingual approach in which spanish words and phrases are introduced into well known Sesame Street songs. The cd also comes with the words to all the songs in English and in Spanish. Elmo, the Count, Big Bird, Rosita, Maria, Luis, and others make this cd totally worth the money. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cathy and Marcy entertain and educate with humor and wisdom
My 3-year-old is already a music groupie of this talented pair. They describe this album as teaching "media awareness and conflict resolution" which sounds dreadfully preachy. It isn't. The messages are very positive and the songs are very good, unlike most "message" albums available today. I recommend this one without reservation, even though I'm usually allergic to singing kids on professional recordings. Your kids will especially love "Dad Threw the TV out the Window." ... Read more

Amazon.com

There can't be more than a handful of parents around who aren't already familiar with the concept behind Blue's Clues, arguably the most popular children's show of the late 1990s. For those that aren't, here's the scoop: a cast of computer-animated characters, led by the blue dog of the show's title, populate an equally animated universe. Blue's human, Steve--the one nonanimated cast member--is the show's slightly dimwitted host. Each episode revolves around Steve's attempt to decipher a trio of clues to figure out what Blue wants to do that day; what makes the show so popular is that the audience is not only invited to participate but is inevitably given enough information to come to the right answer before Steve does. In porting the concept over to an album, the producers had to make some adaptations, but it works remarkably well: the first half involves finding Blue's three clues, and most of the Cajun-flavored music is already familiar from the show. There are a few fun touches (including a brief dance remix), and fans of the show--your kids are sure to fit in that category--will love it. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (19)

We LOVE it!
I bought this cd as a soundtrack for a Blue's Clues birthday party. Mailbox sang before we had Mailtime. Steve and Blue's voices introduced our party via the cd player. It is a well written cd and the sound quality is wonderful. Your kids will really enjoy listening, especially in the car.

We just can't get enough Blue!!
My 2 year old son loves Blue and only Blue!! He also loves music, so when I came across the blue's clue's music, we couldn't resisit. We were not disappointed! I love the music as much as he does; I find myself singing along all time! The music is very well written and will keep even the pickiest parents jammin' in the car with their kids!! We also have "goodnight, blue" and it is wonderful, but beware: it makes even me drowsy when listening to it in the car!!

We love it!
Although we have been listening to this CD every time we are in the car (this CD and Blue's Big Musical CD are the only CDs my 2 year old son will listen to)for the past two months--we love it! I can't decide who enjoys it more--me or my son! While many kids' CDs are painful for the parents to listen to, this one keeps getting better and better (as does Blue's Big Musical). I highly recommend it!

Outstanding Kids Cd! Best of the Blue's Clues Titles
My 2 year old son has all 4 Blue's Clues cds and he like this one the most. The songs make him get up and dance, and the lady who plays the part of grandma sounds like the singer, Jewel. She has a very pretty voice. The only Blue's Clues Cd that I wouldn't necessarily buy again would be "Goodnight Blue". It's fine, but too slow...not upbeat enough for playtime. The other 3 Blue's Clues titles are superior to "Goodnight Blue" in my opinion. "Blue's Big Treasure" is our 1st choice of the 4 if you are purchasing your 1st Blue's Clues cd.

you can tell the Blue's team really likes kids
A lot of things are marketed to kids that aren't very good. In contrast, every product I have seen that ties in with Blue's Clues seems thoughtful, educational and of high quality -- the same goes for this CD.

Adaptations are made to play out a Blue's Clues game as an audio exercise rather than visually, and this is done in a clever way. All of the original series' voices are used, including Steve Burns and Traci Paige Johnson for Steve and Blue. Many of the series' characters make an appearance: Slippery Soap, Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper, Tickety Tock, Mailbox, and Shovel & Pail, among others.

With 12 songs, the CD is relatively short, but not overly so -- a good length for young children. In addition, the CD has a detachable section that folds out to about 11" by 11" and shows the outside of Steve and Blue's house; seven stickers are included (Blue, Tickety, Slippery, Shovel, Pail, Mailbox and a snail) that can be placed and replaced on the glossy surface. A nice touch from a class outfit.

As usual, a high quality product from the Blue's Clues team. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Just for Curious Kids
This tape is great for 3 - 8 year olds who are curious about the world around them. They will learn about the water cycle, recycling, going to the library, where oil comes from, why garbage smells! They will especially love the garbage song - because they think they are unique to be singing about garbage! Great songs for on the way to school. A long trip with this tape will make some vocal experts out of your group. You'll be humming these tunes all day long.

Great for kids and grownups too!
I really enjoy all the songs on this CD, and we listen to it several times a day. My 1.5 year old son shouts "Halloo!" along with "Sing a Song Of One" and does his best to hand jive along with "Alphabet Soup". I always get a grin out of "Don't Make Me," especially on days when I'm dreading going to work. Great fun for us all, and it's not annoying or chipmunk-y. Tom Chapin is a wonderful storyteller and musician! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Family Tree ranks as singer/songwriter Tom Chapin's best overall children's release. Chapin applies a grand musical scheme, integrating horns, well-recorded large ensembles, and more, which results in a mix that will wow parents and kids alike. He prefers narrative-oriented songs, and here does a wonderful job on a father-son relationship in "Shovelling" and includes a touching lullaby-like farewell to friends on "Together Tomorrow." Unlike lots of children's music, in which a simple vibe is struck and then stuck with throughout, this collection varies with each song, often using humor to ease kids into a realm where they can grasp some kernel of truth about themselves and their parents. His take on the "Big Rock Candy Mountain" is inventive (and shrewdly avoids the liquor-guzzling references in the original), and there's a politically progressive angle to the entire recording. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Yet another superb CD from Tom Chapin. Amazing!!
Ok, I'm pregnant and a little bit tired. So after dinner tonight I told my 2.5-year-old son he could watch a video (I really needed the half hour of rest). Nothing doing -- he wanted to listen to "the new Tom Chapin" CD. Ok, fine with me. I turned on "Family Tree" (which we bought last week, more about that later...) and he immediately started marching to the first song, Parade Came Marching. I followed him and he marched all around the house, singing along at the top of his little lungs. When the song ended, he paused, and when the next song, Nick of Time started, he jumped with glee and started marching and singing again. The two of us marched and sang our way through the entire CD...it was a really special and enjoyable time, and it chased my fatigue away. This is music that's more fun than a video, whether you're at home or in the car. Speaking of the car, that was our introduction to this CD. I bought it for the car ride from our Virginia home to our North Carolina beach rental place last week. Little did I know we'd spend 9 hours stuck in traffic as all of coastal NC was evacuated for Hurricane Floyd! Good thing this is such a wonderful CD...our son insisted on playing it over and over, and my husband and I didn't mind at all. It gave us a chance to learn all the words to these creative, crafty, songs. If you already know Tom Chapin's music, you'll love this CD as much as the others. If you don't know Tom Chapin yet, you gotta try him!! Your kids will love him, and equally importantly, you'll sing along too and will marvel at the quality of the music and lyrics.

A Great Timeless Family CD
As with all of the Tom Chapin recordings I have heard, this is an excellent collection of songs. The songs are full of humor and you will usually recognize some "character"from your own life in one of his songs. One of my favorites on this album is "Nick of Time" because I've done the "I'm-gonna-count-to-five" Routine and it's so funny to hear how it comes out in this song. Also, my whole family likes "Shoveling" because we love the blues-ey rhythm and, once again, the humor. Once you buy one Tom Chapin collection, you'll be back for more.

a family favorite
This is the first Tom Chapin CD that I've purchased and it's become a favorite of my two girls (age 2 and 4). They either start singing along or bouncing around to the music. The lyrics are intelligent and also silly. I have been a Harry Chapin fan for many years and am amazed at the talent of these two brothers. Some of the songs will have more meaning to the girls when they're older (e.g. Family Tree and Someone's Gonna Use It) and that's also a plus... highly recommed this artist and CD.

SELDOM I LISTEN TO-
TOM'S VOICE SOUNDS LIKE HE COULD DO BETTER AT ADULT MUSIC.
WHEN HE SINGS CHILDREN'S MUSIC, HE SOUNDS SO OUT OF PLACE.
THE LYRICS ARE WAY TO PRE-SCHOOLISH FOR ME IN MY OPINION.

IN FACT I COULD HAVE FUN WITH THIS CD BY BACKING
THE CAR OUT OVER IT!!

USE THE CD AS A FRISBEE, OR USE IT AS A SHOTPUT!!!

TOM JUST DOES NOT CUT THE MUSTARD FOR ME!!!!

funny, clever and cool
I remember Tom Chapin from the tv show "Make a Wish," so when I found out he'd done a number of kids' cd's, it was a no-brainer. "Family Tree" is everything I'd expect from Tom Chapin. It's great for even the youngest kids -- catchy tunes, playful lyrics, humor, fanciful stories, kooky characters -- but it's not so sugary that parents cringe. In fact, I look forward to hearing this cd along with my kids. As others have said, "In the Nick of Time" is brilliant, striking a chord with kids and parents alike. I love the environmental message of some of the songs, like "This Pretty Planet," which is achingly beautiful, and "Someone's Gonna Use It," about water conservation. Then there are the songs that are just plain fun, like "Uh Oh Accident" and "Plenty of Room." Great stuff. ... Read more

Album Description

Sing, dance, and play with your preschooler as you sing these great childhood favorites! All-new, original arrangements of classic kids songs!

Bonus! All songs repeat in Split-track so that if your sound system allows you can adjust the balance to hear only the music —perfect for performances! Ideal for home, nursery, preschool, kindergarten and other childcare programs! ... Read more

Album Description

This collection of 25 Christmas Favorites features ancient hymns of Christmastime, merry carols from many lands, abd the most popular Christmas songs.The artistic arrangements coupled with the sweet-sounding children's voices, provide hours of listening pleasure for the entire family.Teach your children these traditional Christmas songs and capture the joy of the season. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Childrens Music.
I have 2 daughters and they adore this CD. I plan to buy several more from Twin Sisters as my children like listening to this cd more than playing with their own toys. ... Read more

Album Description

KID POWER inspires self-confidence and responsibility with "Stand Up," a song about caring for others and standing up for one's personal beliefs; and "A Better Place to Live," about preserving the environment.Other unforgettable tunes include "Loose Tooth," an amusing look at the Tooth Fairy; "He Likes to Bark," about man's best and noisiest friend; "My Bicycle" and "Stuck with the Dishes." ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great family sing-alongs for long car trips!
"Mother's Day" and "Happy Birthday" are our favorites, and "Grow In Your Own Sweet Way" will bring tears to every parents' eyes, realizing that life goes so fast that you just want your kids to stay little forever.

Great! Especially the new version of Happy Birthday!
We're great fans of Tom Chapin's family music. (I hesitate to call it children's music, because it's so appealing to adults, too!) Whenever it's someone's birthday, after singing the more traditional song, our family sings Tom's version of Happy Birthday: "Happy birthday, happy birthday, we love you. Happy birthday and may all your dreams come true. As you blow out the candles, one light stays aglow. It's the love-light in your eyes where-e'er you go." We sing the song on people's answering machines if they're not home on the morning of their birthday. The first time we left it on my mom's machine, she called in tears and had us sing it to her over again. She said it was the most beautiful birthday gift she'd received in a long time. We agree. Thanks for this touching birthday gift, Tom! And for all the other wonderful songs on this CD.

Still one of my favorites
I remember listening to all of Tom Chapin's tapes when I was little, "Moonboat" reciving the most spins in the cassette player. Now, even though I'm much older, I still hold these songs as some of my favoites. "Libray Song", "Whale Song", and "Moonboat" are most familar to me. I hope other children will enjoy this as much as I did.

Superb
Tom, the brother of Harry Chapin (Cat's in the Cradle, Taxi, etc.) is a natural storyteller like his brother. Unlike many children's CD's, the song composition and musicianship are neither juvenile nor simple. My three sons love it, but so do I. In my experience, this is as good as it gets.

Funny and engaging. A real family sing-a-long!
All my kids love Tom Chapin. We laugh at Mother's Day and cry with Grow in Your Own Sweet Way. It's good, wholesome fun stuff! Far better than Raffi. ... Read more

Album Description

Have you ever rubbed a balloon across your hair and stuck it on a wall? Or, have you ever wondered why a tightrope walker uses a long thin pole when walking on a tightrope at the circus? Through 12 clever, informative songs, children will learn how physics relate to the real world.Whether learning about how sound travels, or exploring the colors of the spectrum, children will gain a better understanding of physics. Critiqued by Dr. Greg Townsend, a physicist who likes to study and teach about gravity. (Lyrics included.) ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Endurance test
As someone who has listened to this CD several times a week for over a year, trust me when I tell you it is a 5. I still like the songs - Cousins is a great song, fun words fast tempo you feel the fun onslaught of a big family with rowdy kids in your house as with all of Tom's songs you listen to them and you can feel him smiling while singing. These songs just make you happy.

I heard 1 song and I've never been the same sence
I was listening to Kids Tunes on my satalite dish late one night when ON MY WAY TO SCHOOL by Tom Chapin came on. I listened to it and withen 30 seconds I found mysesf singing along. I love it even more then than my second favorite band Slayer. Tom Chapin is the greatest artist of our times. LONG LIVE THE KING (Chapin) I first heard it when I was 15 now Im 25 and he is more dear to me than anthing in the world. Even chocholate chip cookies.

CHAPIN!CHAPIN!CHAPIN!CHAPIN!CHAPIN!CHAPIN!CHAPIN!

Good Garbage
We first heard this tape when we borrowed it from the library and it was a must have. My two year old goes crazy over the good garbage song - something I am also very excited about. While I know she is just thrilled with the tune and the funny motions I make to it now, I know it is helping her to learn and opening up opportunities for us to talk about recycling. Out of all her "kid" albums, this one is also the easiest on MY ears!

Chapin's music is all you could wish for your kids.
My child is 15 now, and "too old" to listen to the Tom Chapin tapes. But every once in a while I have to sneak them out and listen to them for myself. There's a bit of nostalgia there, but mostly pure enjoyment of the wit, heart and musicality of the songs. I envy the kids who grow up with Tom Chapin and Raffi songs -- but I did get to enjoy them in my 30s!

Mother Earth Nurtures Kids and Families
I had to buy a CD from Amazon.com to replace the tape we've had for three years. It is literally worn out from being played so much. Words can't describe how wonderful it is to hear my boys (three and four years old) sing "good garbage is supposed to decompose" and inquire to Mother Earth when they are wishing for the most recently seen wildlife species to return to our yard! Tom Chapin's gift to our family is priceless. ... Read more

Album Description

Snuggling with a little one is a moment to treasure! This collection of simple children's songs will encourage rest and relaxation. The songs repeat in split-track so that if your sound system allows you can adjust the balance to hear only the music —perfect for performing the songs your children have learned to associate with rest time!

Wonderful background music for bringing order to a busy preschool and kindergarten classroom! ... Read more

Album Description

Toddlers and preschoolers will love singing, dancing, and clapping along with this new collection of childhood favorites! Over 30 minutes of music provides hours of fun for kids. Perfect for home and travel, preschool and kindergarten, and childcare programs.

BONUS! Includes 50 fun things to do with kids! ... Read more

Album Description

O Worship The King with 25 classic hymns sung by kids for kids. Includes favorite hymns of worship and songs of personal devotion and faith. The contemporary arrangements span the ages to create a collection for today's young worshippers  -- ideal for use at home, church and school. BONUS! The ENHANCED CD includes 104 pages of sheet music that can be printed from your own computer! ... Read more